The recent convergence between physics and biology has led many physicists to enter the
fields of cell and developmental biology. One of the most exciting areas of interest has been …

In 1993, a Commentary in this journal described how a simple mechanical model of cell
structure based on tensegrity architecture can help to explain how cell shape, movement …

One of the most unique physical features of cell adhesion to external surfaces is the active
generation of mechanical force at the cell-material interface. This includes pulling forces …

As physical entities, living cells possess structural and physical properties that enable them
to withstand the physiological environment as well as mechanical stimuli occurring within …

With every beat of the heart, inflation of the lung or peristalsis of the gut, cell types of diverse
function are subjected to substantial stretch. Stretch is a potent stimulus for growth …

Cells face not only a complex biochemical environment but also a diverse biomechanical
environment. How cells respond to variations in mechanical forces is critical in homeostasis …

Tissue cells sense and respond to the stiffness of the surface on which they adhere.
Precisely how cells sense surface stiffness remains an open question, though various …

Viscoelasticity and other related phenomena are of great importance in the study of
mechanical properties of materials, especially biological materials. Certain materials …

Complex rheology of airway smooth muscle cells and its dynamic response during
contractile stimulation involves many molecular processes, foremost of which are …

The clinical and experimental literature has unequivocally established that mechanical
ventilation with large tidal volumes is injurious to the lung. However, uncertainty about the …